The Winemaker ... since 1537
The Australian-born Gerald Rowland holds a degree from Roseworthy College , South Australia specializing in viticulture and enology, with further studies at University of California . He began his career with B. Seppelts and Sons, Barrossa Valley , where he contributed his expertise for six years.
His introduction to Napa Valley winemaking came in 1987 at Stags Leap Winery. This was followed by an eight year tenure as assistant winemaker at Chappellet winery. There he developed his expertise dealing with mountainside fruit. In 1997, Rowland devoted his full time to his own venture, while also acting as consulting winemaker for other boutique wineries.
Rowland designed and refined tools for winemaking, such tools can be found in most West Coast USA wineries.
Winemaking and grape growing are in Gerry Rowland's blood. In 1537, his German ancestors first put the family crest on a wine label, and brokered it throughout Europe . Rowland was raised in the Barrossa Valley , where his father farmed grapes.
In 1997 Rowland joined William Hill Winery in Alexandra as consultant wine maker.
Screwcap Wine Seal?
Because we are committed to bringing our wine to you in the best possible condition we have chosen to seal each bottle with a screwcap wine seal.
Screwcap wine seals eliminate the threat of "cork taint" and premature oxidation. They allow the wine in each bottle to mature and develop its true character, uniformly and naturally, as intended by the winemaker.
| 2007 Pinot Gris |
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The Pinot Gris fruit was of a high quality and the winemaking team have extracted amazing flavours to produce a distinctive Drumsara Pinot Gris. With 300 cases produced it will allow a wider distribution. Expect to see it in more restaurants this summer.| 2006 Pinot Noir - Ventifacts Block |
With an increase in acreage and higher production we have excellent quantities to service our private and trade customers. The winemaker says it is the best vintage for Drumsara yet ! |
The 2006 Autum was dry and warm allowing the ripening fruit to develop good varietal flavours.| 2005 Pinot Noir - Ventifacts Block |
Awards: Bronze Medal - 2006 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards. |
The 2005 vintage was subject to a very wet flowering season, hence lower production was experienced. This was offset by the increase in acreage which will enable us to have about the same volume as the 2004 vintage.| 2004 Pinot Noir - Ventifacts Block |
Awards: Gold Medal winner in the 2006 Starwine International Wine Competition - New York, USA Bronze Medal - 2005 New Zealand International Wine Show - 2006 International Cool Climate Wine Show, Vic, Australia. |
Following on from the success of our 2003 foundation vintage, the 2004 vintage from our Ventifacts Block is the result of a very good growing season and the vineyard microclimate has developed the fruit well. The wine maker has applied his skill and knowledge to produce another fine drop.
| 2003 Pinot Noir - Ventifacts Block |
Awards: Bronze Medal - 2006 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards.
Bronze Medal - 2004 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards. |
Our foundation Central Otago Pinot Noir 2003, from the Ventifacts Block, was released in August 2004. This foundation vintage crop was captured in just three barrels. It is an unashamedly young vine crop yet displays foundation characteristics that will make this a truly great Central Otago vineyard.
